Best places of Spain to inmerse in Islamic History For a Muslim who has some familiarity with Islamic history in the Iberian Peninsula, a visit to Spain is almost like a pilgrimage. In the era of the Golden Age of our civilisation extending from early 8th to late 15thcentury, coincidental with Dark Ages in the rest of Europe, when Al Andalus was the centre of global civilisation. Its capital Cordoba was Europe's largest city. Greatest Islamic heritage of spain is located here in the south, Andalusia: Granada (Gharnata) and Cordoba (Qurtaba). Alhambra Palaces When you hear the name Alhambra, somehow the name itself gives you a certain excitement, as the place seems mystical and adventurous. Who would not be in awe of such an amazing place that’s rich in history and culture? The best thing is that it was influenced by various civilizations, especially the Muslim civilization. Just to prove to you how important Alhambra is, I’ll give you a short overview of its history. According to historical documents, in the year 889, Sawwar ben Hemdun needed to seek refuge in a fortress called Alcazaba, which Muslims then had to rebuild due to the struggles that had taken place. The castle then soon turned into a military fortress due to its strategic position as it overlooked the whole city. When the first King of the Nasrid dynasty administered Cordoba, he then established the royal residence in Alhambra. Yusuf I and Mohamed V are the ones responsible for most of the construction in Alhambra that still remains until today. However, when Cordoba fell into the hands of the Catholics, Charles V wanted to rebuild parts of the castle in his name and therefore built several new areas such as the Emperor’s Chambers and the Queen’s Dressing Room. There are so many

Best places of Spain to inmerse in Islamic History For a Muslim who has some familiarity with Islamic history in the Iberian Peninsula, a visit to Spain is almost like a pilgrimage. In the era of the Golden Age of our civilisation extending from early 8th to late 15thcentury, coincidental with Dark Ages in the

Top 10 Most Beautiful Destinations of Andalusia (Spain) One of the many wonderful things about southern Spain is that there are so many little villages to discover. Andalusia, a rocky, sun-baked region on Spain’s southern coast, has its own character and its own specialties, which makes every trip an authentic experience. Instead of visiting only Malaga, Granada, Cordoba or Seville, try exploring the interior of Andalusia along the Route of the White Hill Towns. This charm bracelet of charming villages gives you wonderfully untouched Spanish culture. From Moorish palaces, traditional towns and villages to golden beaches and hot flamenco. We compiled a list of The 10 Most Beautiful Towns In Andalusia. Medina Sidonia Medina Sidonia is a small village set atop a hill called “Cerro del Castillo” in the Province of Cadiz. The village has Roman and medieval walls and tidy narrow cobbled streets. At the top of the hill you will find an old Muslim fortress, and the Torrestrella Castle, both dating from the 12th-14th Centuries. Medina Sidonia is also famous for having within its township numerous fighting-bull ranches. ¿Looking for a Halal Restaurant? Halal restaurant in Cadiz Alhama de Granada Alhama de Granada is a pretty, ancient spa town located approximately 53 km (33 miles) from Granada. It is perched precariously at the top of a ravine from where the Rio Alham carves through otherwise rolling countryside. There are 6,000 inhabitants in the town, and its picturesque location, thermal springs, affordable tapas and Spanish charm attract many visitors. Casares Nestled in the hillside with its white-painted houses interlaced with tiny streets, Casares is a unique village of Arab origin that has been designated as a Historical-Artistic Site. Its main tourist attractions are the quaint streets, the ruins of the Medieval castle and the Birthplace of Blas Infante. Besides walking along the narrow, cobbled streets with their

Top 10 Most Beautiful Destinations of Andalusia (Spain) One of the many wonderful things about southern Spain is that there are so many little villages to discover. Andalusia, a rocky, sun-baked region on Spain’s southern coast, has its own character and its own specialties, which makes every trip an authentic experience. Instead of visiting only Malaga,

Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage. World Heritage Sites protected by UNESCO tell you the history of old Al-Andalus in Andalusia (Spain) History After the fragmentation of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba in the 11th Century the city of Granada began to acquire an increasingly important position on the map of Al Andalus. The Zirid Dynasty established a kingdom in the city, building the Qadima, a fortress protected by defensive walls and glorified by palace buildings in what is today the high part of the Albayzin. With the arrival of the Almoravids and above all the Almohads, the city went from strength to strength. When Al-Ahmar de Arjona proclaimed himself the first King of the Nasrid dynasty in 1238, he turned his attention to the hill opposite known as La Sabika. The Alhambra was born and the Albayzin became a residential district. Under the Nasrids the Alhambra and the Albayzin enjoyed a period of burgeoning architectural heritage until 1492 when Isabel and Ferdinand conquered Granada. The new rulers decided to develope the city in other directions. The Albayzin was left as the last bastion of the Moriscos, the Muslims who remained in the Iberian Peninsula after the Christian conquest. Over time the Albayzin underwent dramatic urban development with the widening of its streets, the construction of churches on top of what once were mosques, the arrival of new religious orders and the construction of grand palaces for the local nobility on the bank of the River Darro. The close links between the Albayzin and the Alhambra show that the designs used in one are often imitated in the other. The Court of Myrtles in the Alhambra is a house of palatial dimensions, which the surviving Moorish houses in the Albayzin reproduce at

Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage Discover Granada Must See Sights Dobla de Oro Islamic Heritage. World Heritage Sites protected by UNESCO tell you the history of old Al-Andalus in Andalusia (Spain) History After the fragmentation of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba in the 11th Century the city of Granada began to acquire an increasingly important

Alhambra Palace & Generalife An Islamic World Heritage Alhambra Palace & Generalife are definitely Granada highlights, keep reading and discover why. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill which by sunlight is transformed into gold. But there is another more poetic version, its said that the construction of the Alhambra fortress was done "by the light of torches", the reflections of which gave the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an fortress, a palace and a smal city. There is no reference to the Alhambra as being a residence of kings until the 13th century even though the fortress had existed since the 9th century. The first kings of Granada, the Zirites, had their castles and palaces on the hill of the Albaicin, and nothing remains of them. The Nasrites were probably the emirs who built the Alhambra, starting in 1238. The founder of the dynasty, Muhammed Al-Ahmar, began with the restoration of the old fortress. His work was completed by his son Muhammed II, whose immediate successors continued with the repairs. The construction of the palaces dates back to the 14th century and is the work of two great kings: Yusuf I and Muhammed V. To the first we owe, among others, the Chamber of Comares, the Gate of Justice, the Baths and some towers. His son, Muhammed V, completed the beautification of the palaces with the Chamber of the Lions, as well as other rooms and fortifications. The Alhambra became a Christian court in 1492 when the Catholic Monarchs conquered the city of Granada. Later, various structures were built for prominent civilians also military garrisons, a church and a Franciscan monastery. Emperor Charles

Alhambra Palace & Generalife An Islamic World Heritage Alhambra Palace & Generalife are definitely Granada highlights, keep reading and discover why. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means “red castle“, perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill which by sunlight is transformed into gold.

Why choose Alpujarras in Granada as your travel destination? The answer is simple: The Alpujarra White villages Alpujarras Villages Visit the unspoiled natural beauty of Las Alpujarras dominated by the magnificent rugged peaks of Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. This lands natural beauty is due to the warm climate and abundant supply of

Discover Amazing Southern Spain Andalusia Day Trip Cadiz Villages Jimena de la Frontera A town whose origins go way back in time, enjoyed a boom during the Moorish period, especially as a frontier town in the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada during the 14th and 15th centuries. The emblematic building in this town - its Moorish castle - was built in that period. At the back of the castle we find the "Moorish Queen's Bath", which is actually a baptismal font from an old Mozarabic church that used to exist there, dug out of the rock. Several dug-out niches have also been recovered nearby, which probably belonged to another humble and ancient Mozarabic church. Together with the walls and the cistern, known as the "Moorish Queen's Bath", it forms a priceless architectural site. Other very attractive elements are the churches of La Misericordia and La Victoria, Los Ángeles Shrine, the Royal Artillery Factory building, the cave paintings in the nearby Laja Alta Cave, and the splendid nature area - the Los Alcornocales Nature Reserve - where the cave can be found. The remains of the medieval Al-Andalus castle in Jimena de la Frontera stand on San Cristobal Mountains, and used to serve as a watchtower for old borders. Several of the castle-fort's elements are preserved in quite good condition: stretches of walls that adapt to the topography of the terrain, with their corresponding towers or watchtowers set out in stretches; the so-called Clock Tower, or Albarrán, and the Alcázar, refurbished after being conquered by the Kingdom of Castile, dominated by the circular Keep. The views over Algeciras Bay and the mountains of Cadiz are breathtaking from here. Arcos de la Frontera Sitting on a spectacular cliff this picturesque town is full of Arab legacy for wich has been declared Property of Cultural Interest.

Discover Amazing Southern Spain Andalusia Day Trip Cadiz Villages Jimena de la Frontera A town whose origins go way back in time, enjoyed a boom during the Moorish period, especially as a frontier town in the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada during the 14th and 15th centuries. The emblematic building in this town – its Moorish

Visit Andalusia Islamic Heritage of Southern Spain What to See in Jerez de la Frontera The Alcazar The first part of the building were probably built in the 11th century, when Jerez was part of the Taifa Kingdom, on a site settled since pre historic times in the south-eastern corner of the city. In the 12th century, a new structure was erected to be used as Fortress Palace by the Almohad rulers of southern Spain. This Alcazar is one of the few examples of Almohad architecture that exist in the Peninsula. After the Reconquista of Andalusia, it was the seat of the first Christian mayors. As an interesting fact to mention that, the term Alcazar comes from the arabic word al-qasr and defines a set of buildings, surrounded by walls, that were the seat of the power that ruled the city and its territory. The wall with a perimeter of 4 km enclosed a city of 46 hectares and once reached a population of 16,000 inhabitants. Of the original Islamic fort, are preserved: the two doors; The mosque, the Arab baths; The Octagonal Tower and the Doña Blanca Courtyard Pavilion, located at the foot of the tower. And of later stages, the Tower of Homage of XV century, the Baroque Palace of Villavicencio and the Mill of oil of XVIII century. Nowadays the Alcazar is surrounded by a beautiful park. Visiting Times: Monday to Sunday on different schedules. Nov 01 to Mar 31 9:30 AM to 2.30 PM Apr 01 to Jun 30 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM Jul 01 to Sep 15 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM Sep 16 to Oct 31 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM Address: Alameda Vieja s/n 11403 Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Andalusia Halal Restaurant Jaipur You migh also like to see our videos

Visit Andalusia Islamic Heritage of Southern Spain What to See in Jerez de la Frontera The Alcazar The first part of the building were probably built in the 11th century, when Jerez was part of the Taifa Kingdom, on a site settled since pre historic times in the south-eastern corner of the city. In the

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to see in Seville Seville Cathedral - Ancient Aljama Mosque Santa Maria de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. The basilica occupies the site of the great Aljama Mosque, built in the late 12th century by the Almohads, the ruling Moorish Dynasty. The remaining parts are Patio de Naranjas, Puerta del Perdon, and the Giralda. Address: Av. de la Constitución, 41004 Sevilla Visiting Time: Monday: 11:00 - 15:30 / 16:30 - 18:00 Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 14:30 - 18:00 Royal Alcazar Originally built as a Moorish fort, it’s a warren of tranquil courtyards, ornately tiled reception rooms and lush gardens. Savour in particular the orange groves and 16th century Ladies’ Gardenwith its fountains and bordered pathways. Address: Patio de Banderas, 41004 Sevilla Visiting Time: from 9:30 to 17:00 Tower of Gold Along the banks of the Guadalquivir River we found this 13th century military watchtower, which name comes from the golden shine it projected on the river. It was erected by the Almohad Caliphate in order to control access to Seville via the river. In the Middle Ages the tower served as a prison. Address: Paseo de Cristobal Colón, 41001 Sevilla Giralda tower Built in the 12th century, is inspired in the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh. The tower first two thirds is a former minaret from the Almohad period of Seville, the upper third Spanish Renaissance architecture. Address: Av. de la Constitución, 41004 Sevilla Plaza España The Square of Spain designed by Anibal González, was a principal building on the Maria Luisa Park edge to showcase Spain's industry and technology exhibits. Gonzalez combined a mix of 1920s Art Deco, "mock Mudejar", and Neo-Mudéjar styles. The complex is a huge half-circle with buildings continually running around the edge accessible over the moat by numerous bridges representing

ISLAMIC HERITAGE OF ANDALUSIA, SPAIN What to see in Seville Seville Cathedral – Ancient Aljama Mosque Santa Maria de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. The basilica occupies the site of the great Aljama Mosque, built in the late 12th century by the Almohads, the ruling Moorish Dynasty. The

Discover Granada Islamic Heritage sites & other must see sights The Alhambra and the Generalife The Alhambra is an UNESCO site dated on 9th century. Its palaces, towers, royal apartments and gardens show the splendour that Granada attained during the Nasrid dynasty. Arabic called «qa'lat al-Hamra'» that means Red Castle because of its reddish walls. Documents attributes Sawwar ben Hamdun establishment of the first castle here when he was looking for refugee in Granada. Quickly the castle became a military fortress because the hill is an strategic point with a view over the whole city and the meadow. The site is so astuning that you will need around 3 hour to inmerse into its walls. From the Alcazaba and the palaces, Patio of the Lions, the Justice Gate, the building of the Baths, to the Comares Room and the Hall of the Boat. Generalife Summer Palace comes afterwards, with refreshing and floral garden with amazing views over Alhambra. Visiting Time: Due is the most visited monument of Spain booking in advance is required. Daytime (Monday-Sunday): from 8:30 to 14:00/ 14.00 to 20:00 Night Visits (Tuesday-Saturday): from 22:00 to 23:30 h. Address: Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada Granada Mosque Since 2003 is home for an important Arab community. The Mosque is next to the Mirador de San Nicolas, directly opposite the Alhambra Palace. This peaceful space welcomes visiting Muslims to the city. Address: Plaza de San Nicolás, s/n, 18010 Granada Albayzin Muslim Quarters The district of Albaycin is one of the most historic places to visit in Granada. Located on the hill opposite the Alhambra is great for walking among its narrow streets with old Arab houses full of flowers and fontains. The most famous view point of Granada is here, Mirador de San Nicolas offer amaizing views of Alhambra Palace. Address: Plaza de San Nicolás,

Discover Granada Islamic Heritage sites & other must see sights The Alhambra and the Generalife The Alhambra is an UNESCO site dated on 9th century. Its palaces, towers, royal apartments and gardens show the splendour that Granada attained during the Nasrid dynasty. Arabic called «qa’lat al-Hamra’» that means Red Castle because of its reddish walls.